Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Pontiac GTO owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving 60 MPH on freeway and had a blow out. Almost hit two cars as a result of control loss. Removed flat tire (front passenger) and noticed the inside of tire was excessively worn down to the metal while the rest of the tire still had plenty of tread. Tire still had half its life left. Asked tire company to return the tire to me but they sent it to recycler before I picked the car up. I did take a picture of the tire and it does show the inside wear. There is a corresponding mark on the shock where the tire rubbed the paint off in one specific area on the shock. I have no alignment problems which is what the dealer said caused the blow-out. There is no question that the rubbing is what caused the problem. I don't feel safe driving and will have to prematurely replace tires which wii be expensive. …
When replacing a "flat" tire on my 2006 Pontiac GTO with standard 17" wheels and original tires (approx. 26K miles), I noticed that the whole inner side of the tire was shredded beyond the belts. When I had the tire replaced, two additional tires were found in even worse condition - all were shredded on the inner side. One tire that had previously been replaced, was in good condition. I remember that when I bought the car, there was a manufacturer's service bulletin addressing "strut rub" on the inside of the front wheels. I made sure this was addressed and that the vehicle received an alignment at the dealership according to manufacturer's specs. Tires have been rotated at every oil change in accordance with maintenance procedures in the owner's manual. It appears that even though the manufacturer is aware of the defect, the solution is not a cure. …
I have a 2006 Pontiac GTO with just over 14,000 miles on the odometer. I was getting an oil change done and the car was up on a lift. My mechanic told me that I need to come look at something. He showed me that the inside of my right rear tire was worn to the point that the steel belts were showing through the tire. He also pointed out that the insides of my other tires were showing wear but not near as badly as the right rear tire. He stated to me that the only cause of this was to get an alignment. I had the alignment checked by an alignment shop that tells me that the alignment is in factory specifications. I had to pay for four new tires at discount tire company here in phoenix. I have done searches on the internet and many other GTO owners are having the same issues I am having. Pontiac needs to research this and recall these vehicles if necessary. Something is very wrong here.
Pontiac GTO 2006. 1st incident happened with approx 4,950 miles on car. Front passenger tire blew out when I had just got off interstate (thank god). That was "fixed" by dealership after my car was parked in my driveway for approx 3 weeks while dealership got the specs from GM to re-align the front of my car. 2nd incident happened at over 16,000 miles. Pulled over after hearing a noise. Back passenger tire was severed and a long piece had hit my fender wheel alerting me to the fact before the tire blew out completely. After looking at the other back tire - I found it had similar wear pattern. Both were warn on the inside of the tire. Dealership told me this was caused from a alignment problem that had been there since the beginning. I am now scared to drive my car! Who knows what will happen in another 16,000 miles.
At approximately 5,000 miles, I noticed tire wear on the inside of both front tires of my 2006 GTO where the tread meets the sidewall. I contacted my local dealer, who aligned the front suspension. I also rotated the tires every 5,000 miles. Now, at 17,000 miles, the two tires which are now in the rear both are split at the junction of the sidewall and the tread. One tire went completely flat. This happened at about 60 MPH. The other has only started leaking. This is the result of the tire contact with the strut, as indicated by the very close tolerance between the two, and the lack of paint on the strut in that location.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Pontiac GTO. The contact stated that there was premature wear on the inner shoulders of his two front tires. The failure causes both front tire belts to be visible from the struts. In addition, the contact noticed sparks coming from the front tires while driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not determine the cause of the failure. The repair will cost $1,000. The vehicle is still under warranty; however, the dealer will not honor the warranty. The failure mileage was 30,000.
My car has worn out three sets of tires since 8/7/2006 when I purchased it new. I had a flat tire today. When I took the tire off the driver rear side of the car it was badly worn on the inner threads again. It looked to me that the tire had actually rubbed something as opposed to tire wear. I was so aggravated when I finally got home I went on [email] and was advised by other members that the issue is called strut rub. I will be contacting GM when they open today. I am in the process of finding out what parts will correct the problem.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Pontiac GTO. The front and rear tires are wearing unevenly. The tire manufacturer is Bridgestone, the tire line is potenza, and the size, 235/40/18. The rear tires were replaced at the failure mileage of 12,000 and failed again at 19,000 miles; however, the front and rear are worn. The dot number is unavailable. The contact will add the additional tire information that is missing when he receives his complaint. The manufacturer was unable to assist him with the failure. The current mileage was 19,800.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Pontiac GTO. While driving 60 MPH, the steering column vibrated and shook excessively. The contact noticed that the tire tread was very low. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the failure was due to tire imbalance. A professional technician stated that the tires were rubbing against the struts. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 25,000 and current mileage was 27,000.
I have a 2006 Pontiac GTO with 24,000 miles on it. It has never been in an accident. I has to replace 3 tires due to the inside of the tires were worn to the cords. I went to the dealer and they have not been able to explain why this happened. The dealer say they are not responsible for a the problem and can not explain why it happened. After talking to other people it is a problem that continues to happen.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other GTO years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2006 Pontiac GTO?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2006 Pontiac GTO, 9% of the model year's 216 complaints. The component named most often is markings (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Pontiac GTO wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2006 Pontiac GTO. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac GTO wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles, and 72% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.